Hudson Valley Finds: Shopping Made Fun at these Specialty Gift Shops

July 26, 2023

Megastores have become a part of most of our lives, but they still can’t replace the feeling of walking into a locally-owned boutique and finding that perfect gift.

Although many small businesses now have an online presence as well, making it easier to support locals when you can’t get to the store, there’s a tangibility that most people enjoy about shopping in person, like feeling the plush of a throw blanket, smelling the scent of a candle, weighing the delicateness of stemware, or trying on clothes. Not to mention the opportunity for great conversation with an employee or fellow shopper.

Whether you’re buying for that relative who has everything, indulging in a gift for yourself, or looking for a uniquely Hudson Valley souvenir, you’ll want to browse the shelves of these Hudson Valley specialty gift shops.

Casa Ziki | Woodstock NY | @casaziki | Premium Page

Contemporary-design enthusiasts will love the selection of unique and bold-hued gifts at Casa Ziki in Woodstock. Sourced from both local and global artisans and brands, you’ll find home decor, furniture, men’s and women’s accessories, and other fun and functional finds like artistically designed mugs, serene candles, or funky art pieces.

Kaaterskill Market | Catskill NY | @kaaterskillmarket | Premium Page

Elegant, simple, and sustainably made: These are the main themes you’ll find running through Kaaterskill Market’s home goods and wellness products. At their Catskill shop, you’ll find handmade goods like durable-yet-lightweight tote baskets, locally made ceramics, and organic bug repellent sunscreen — this is the Catskills, after all. They enthusiastically support Certified Fair Trade artisans, too, so you can rest assured that makers are fairly compensated.

Witch Hazel NY | Beacon NY | @witchhazelny | Premium Page

Witch Hazel bills itself as a modern-day apothecary that taps into the calming beauty of nature. And so it does! With beautifully curated botanical-inspired beauty products, gifts and dried flower, this is the perfect gift shop-especially if you’re on a mission to gift yourself. The owner, Jill Hilbrenner also runs awesome high-end dried flower workshops for those looking to hone their floral arrangement skills. Read our exclusive interview with Jill Hilbrenner HERE.

Citiot | Catskill NY | @nycitiot | Premium Page

Disguised as a hip coffee shop, Citiot in Catskill is so much more. Sure, the artisan coffee is delish, but the same space includes an events lounge, coworking rooms, and an eclectic gift shop. Find a mix of vintage wares, books, colorful glassware, local art, European furniture, apparel, and gourmet foods. Keep up to date on specials and events via their Instagram.

Clutter | Beacon NY | @cluttermagazine

Eureka, we found it! The gallery + gift shop for the hard-to-buy, despises-big-box, anti-corporate friend. “Clutter” in Beacon features a wide assortment of counterculture and art toy collectibles. There, you’ll find limited edition collectibles and art by famed neo-pop artists like Ron English, Luke Chueh, Time Clarke, and others. Plush, ceramic, vinyl, wood. You name it, they’ve got it.

Little House | Woodstock NY | @shoplittlehouse

Located right on Woodstock’s main drag, Little House bills itself as providing “supplies for modern pioneers”. That means unique and vintage decor, barware, games, books, and music, all with a luxe-lodge aesthetic. And since no Catskills home is complete without quality blankets, find an array of comfy throws and pillows for indoor and outdoor use.

The Shops at Emerson | Mount Tremper NY | @emersonresort

Located at the Emerson Resort and Spa in Mount Tremper, The Shops at Emerson provide a multifaceted experience for all ages and interests. Housed in a restored 19th-century dairy barn, you’ll find modern farmhouse decor, apparel for women and men, gourmet foods, nostalgic toys for kids, Catskills-themed collectibles, and let’s not forget the world-famous kaleidoscope museum and gift shop!

Paper Trail | Rhinebeck NY | @papertrailrhinebeck

Don’t let the name fool you: Paper Trail may have started out with an emphasis on high-quality stationery and paper goods, but after years of serving the Rhinebeck community, the shop has become renowned for an array of bright, colorful gifts and housewares, as well as books, accessories, jewelry, and more. You can still count on them for quality cards and stationery; they’ll even pair you up with a specialist to create handmade invitations for weddings.

Cocoon | New Paltz NY | @cocoon_newpaltz

Cocoon has long remained a staple on Main Street; a go-to gift shop that offers a wide array of home decor, baby gifts, and accessories in a small, winding space. Find kitschy mugs or clever cocktail accessories, New Paltz and Hudson Valley-themed collectibles, and handmade jewelry, candles, or greeting cards, among popular picks. This cocktail book is the perfect house gift for those “paint and sip” get-togethers!

Beck Home + Goods | Woodstock NY | @beckhomeandgoods

Ever since the modern farmhouse aesthetic swept through the decor world, it’s had a grip on small-town design, and upstate is no exception. At Beck Home + Goods in Woodstock you’ll find contemporary-charming home goods crafted by Hudson Valley artisans and makers. Peruse handmade glassware or stoneware or shop pantry items like syrups, coffees, honeys; and much more.

Bluecashew Kitchen Homestead | Kingston NY | @bluecashewkitchen

We have access to incredible farms and food purveyors in this region, and for those who love to cook, it makes sense to have a kitchen fully stocked with durable and beautiful kitchenware. Bluecashew in Kingston offers a wide array of necessities, gifts, and objects that you didn’t know you needed. Their MoMA Design collection makes a great addition to art-lovers’ counters, whereas iittala porcelain dinnerware is a wedding registry staple.

Handmade + More | New Paltz NY | @handmade_and_morenp

For more than 40 years, Handmade and More has offered two floors of home decor, games, children’s gifts, and women’s accessories from their shop in New Paltz. Downstairs, you’ll find collections of locally made pottery, unique table settings, jewelry, and children’s musical, educational, or just-plain-fun toys. Upstairs is dedicated to women’s wear, including scarves, dresses, and more.